麻豆影视

Skip to main content

Air Transat laying off hundreds of flight attendants, says cuts are temporary

People look on as an Air Transat plane takes off at the Montr茅al-Trudeau International Airport on June 11, 2023. (Graham Hughes / The Canadian Press) People look on as an Air Transat plane takes off at the Montr茅al-Trudeau International Airport on June 11, 2023. (Graham Hughes / The Canadian Press)
Share

Air Transat says it is laying off as many as 400 flight attendants, but plans to bring them back to work at some point, a move one expert called 鈥渁 little unusual.鈥

Montreal-based international tour operator Transat A.T. Inc., which runs the Air Transat airline, confirmed in an email to CTVNews.ca Wednesday that the temporary layoffs will affect 350 to 400 staff starting Nov. 1.

 

"The layoffs are temporary due to the seasonality of our airline operations and a capacity reduction announced earlier this year and specifically concern our flight attendants," according to the corporate statement provided to CTVNews.ca. "We plan to recall staff in due course as soon as our flight schedule allows."

The company said it has used this measure several times before, noting the move complies with the collective agreement and "is common in the industry."

Will Transat layoffs affect services?

For instance, it said an average of 455 flight attendants were temporarily laid off per year from 2010 to 2016.

It said before the layoffs the company offered staff members "several mitigation measures," such as unpaid leave and a reduced schedule.

When CTVNews.ca asked whether the layoffs would affect flights and the airline鈥檚 ability to meet its legal obligations to passengers, Air Transat said the measure would not affect service.

鈥淭here is no impact on our airline activities, operations or flight schedule,鈥 a company spokesperson wrote in an email Wednesday. 鈥淲e have all the crew members we need to operate our flight program, with the same level of service known to Transat.鈥

 

Still, the number affected by the is greater than what was initially reported by The Canadian Press on Oct. 3. Air Transat originally said it was considering laying off up to 80 staff members.

In addition, the company previously said the layoffs would not apply to federally regulated roles including flight attendants.

The company has faced including fierce competition, engine recalls and the threat of a union strike over the past year, according to The Canadian Press.

Concerns about future

Air Transat's move is "a little unusual," said commercial aviation expert John Gradek.

"Typically, you'd see a slight reduction in seasonal workforces," said Gradek, faculty lecturer in supply networks and aviation management at McGill University. "This one is a little too, too large for me. "

While the company said financial challenges and reduced travel demand aren鈥檛 a factor behind the temporary layoffs, Gradek said there is concern about its survival.

He said Air Transat has to address its problem of being nearly a billion dollars in debt.

鈥淪o they need to either refinance that debt restructure it or they might be at risk in terms of not being able to support the operations with that level of debt on their books,鈥 he said.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

BREAKING

BREAKING

A search has started at Prairie Green Landfill for the remains of two victims of a serial killer.

The president and CEO of New Brunswick-based Covered Bridge Potato Chips is taking an 'extended leave of absence' after being charged with domestic violence this past weekend.

Local Spotlight

A meteor lit up our region's sky last night 鈥 with a large fireball shooting across the horizon over Lake Erie at around 7:00 p.m.

Residents of Ottawa's Rideauview neighbourhood say an aggressive wild turkey has become a problem.

A man who lost his life while trying to rescue people from floodwaters, and a 13-year-old boy who saved his family from a dog attack, are among the Nova Scotians who received a medal for bravery Tuesday.

A newly minted Winnipegger is hoping a world record attempt will help bring awareness for the need for more pump track facilities in the city.

A Springfield, Ont. man is being hailed a 'hero' after running into his burning home to save his two infant children.

Hortense Anglin was the oldest graduate to make her way across the platform at York University's Fall Convocation ceremony this week. At the age of 87, she graduated with an Honours degree in Religious Studies.

Looking for a scare with good intentions this Halloween season? The ghosts and ghouls of Eganville, Ont. invite families to tour the Haunted Walk at Lekbor Manor.

The image of a sleepy Saskatchewan small town with 'not a lot going on' is a well-known anecdote. However, one Saskatchewan company is hoping to change that 鈥 and allow communities both on and off the beaten path to share their stories and advertise what they have to offer.

A Moncton, N.B., home has been donated to the Friends of The Moncton Hospital Foundation and will be transformed into a resource hub for people living with cancer.

Stay Connected